How does the HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa impact on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sectors?

Expanded Title:

There is sufficient evidence that access to and quality of water, sanitation and hygiene is critical for people living with HIV and AIDs (PLWHA). Access to basic sanitation and effective solid waste management is essential in reducing HIV and AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. Access to clean water is essential in promoting effective health and hygiene practices. All these require an enabling environment that includes not just safe water supply, but effective wastewater disposal and solid waste management. The raising of health and hygiene awareness amongst affected households will be of limited value unless safe water supplies are available to these households so that they can practice good hygiene. Hygienic behaviour reduces opportunistic infections and lengthens the time period between HIV infection and full blown AIDS. This extends the period in which HIV sufferers can be both socially, domestically and economically active. The specific objectives of this study project were to investigate presently available water, sanitation and hygiene resources available to HIV and AIDS infected individuals in three different communities in South Africa. This study was conducted over three identified and selected districts of Ukhahlamba (Eastern Cape province), Khayelitsha, city of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality (Western Cape province) and Groblersdal, Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (Limpopo province). The study revealed a wide range of issues in their various dimensions that relate to provision of adequate water, sanitation and hygiene with specific focus on people living with HIV/AIDS. These dimensions include (a) understanding the currently available WSH requirements for people living with HIV/AIDS in rural, peri-urban and/or informal settlements, (b) assessing the impact of HIV/AIDS at municipal workplaces within water and sanitation sectors, and (c) draw insights and recommendations on needs of WSP and challenges undermining the ability and capacity of municipalities as key WSP to deliver efficient services on WSH.

Date Published:

01/03/2012

Document Type:

Research Report

Document Subjects:

Sanitation - Hygiene

Document Keywords:

Health

Document Format:

Report

Document File Type:

pdf

Research Report Type:

Standard

WRC Report No:

1813/1/11

ISBN No:

9781-4312- 022-94

Authors:

Makaudze E; du Preez M; Potgieter N

Project No:

K5/1813

Originator:

WRC

Organizations:

University of the Western Cape; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment; University of Venda